comedy

INTERVIEWS

This Japanese improv group is fast becoming recognized around the world as Japan’s top group.

November 22 2016

Edited by Isao Tokuhashi Mail to: itokuhashi@myeyestokyo.com   Mike Staffa (USA) Improv comedy group founder The Pirates of Tokyo Bay (POTB), Tokyo’s only bilingual improv comedy group, which we’ve featured twice before, will mark their 6th anniversary with a special show on December 4th at SuperDeluxe in Roppongi. Mike Staffa, the founder of POTB, tells you about their vast range of activities in Japan and abroad that they’ve done this year. Also he shares what you can see and experience at the upcoming Anniversary show. *Past interviews with Mike; 1st (January 18, 2014) 2nd (November 10, 2015)   日本語   Becoming world-famous

INTERVIEWS

Kadentei LoveMehta: Funny in Any Language

October 05 2016

Shawn De Haven Researcher/Performer of Japanese comedy, Organizer of “It’s Funny in Japanese”   Today’s interview is with an extremely talented amateur rakugoka whom I first met while performing together at the Chiba International Rakugo Tournament. I thought his perspective as a foreigner interacting at a level with Japanese comedy, specifically rakugo, would be interesting and enlightening. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.  日本語   A Chance Encounter with Japanese Leads to a Change in Direction… Shawn: Please tell me about yourself. LoveMehta: My name is Nirav Mehta and I’m also known as Kadentei LoveMehta.

INTERVIEWS

We want to be seen as a great entertainment group in Tokyo, not as some silly “gaijin” group.

November 10 2015

Interviewed & written by Isao Tokuhashi Mail to: info@myeyestokyo.com   Mike Staffa (USA) Improv comedy group founder Photo Credit: Michael Holmes Photo   Almost two years ago we last talked with Mike Staffa, the founder of the Pirates of Tokyo Bay. The group is Tokyo’s only bilingual comedy group specializing in improvisational (improv) comedy. He told us how and why he started his own comedy group in Osaka and Tokyo to bring laughter to audiences regardless of their native language. This year, the Pirates of Tokyo Bay will mark their 5th anniversary with a special show on November 29th at

INTERVIEWS

If I made an unfunny joke, I could say, “I guess it’s ‘cause I’m from Sweden”. Do you know why?

April 18 2015

Interviewed & written by Isao Tokuhashi Mail to: info@myeyestokyo.com   Johan Nilsson Björk (Sweden) Rakugo Performer   We have introduced to you Kimie Oshima, a Japanese “English-rakugo (落語)” performer before, but now we have another. This time from… Sweden! His name is Johan Nilsson Björk, a.k.a Borubo-tei Ikeya. “Borubo” means Volvo, the Swedish automotive company, and “Ikeya” refers to IKEA, the world-famous Swedish furniture retailer. A professional rakugo performer gave him such a great stage name. Johan discovered rakugo in Japan and decided to settle in the country after going back home once. His reason Because he fell in love

INTERVIEWS

Rakugo might prevent conflicts. I’ll try to achieve peace through it.

January 29 2015

Interviewed & written by Isao Tokuhashi Mail to: info@myeyestokyo.com   Kimie Oshima Professor/English-Rakugo Performer Have you heard of the word “Rakugo”? It’s a form of Japanese verbal entertainment. The lone storyteller sits on stage, using only a paper fan and a small cloth as props, and does not stand up from the sitting position. Actually My Eyes Tokyo has interviewed some foreign rakugo performers so far such as Diane Orrett from UK and Mizirakli Halit from Turkey. Also we met Johan Nilsson Björk, a rakugo performer from Sweden. They learned rakugo after coming to Japan, fell in love with the

INTERVIEWS

The “Pirates” is a family. Trust off stage makes the trust on stage.

March 30 2014

Written by Isao Tokuhashi Mail to: info@myeyestokyo.com   Mike Staffa (USA) Improv comedy group founder Photo Credit: Michael Holmes Photo   Today we introduce you to the “Leader of the Pirates”. Mike Staffa, the founder of the improv comedy group called the “Pirates of Tokyo Bay” (POTB). As soon as he stepped in the venue for this interview, he said, “I’m sweating today!” even though it was a cold day outside. Because according to him, where he comes from was currently -40C that day! We’re not sure he was joking or not, but anyway he is totally a funny guy.